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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community-Centric Spaces for Urban Migrants

Author:
Chen Yang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community-Centric Spaces for Urban Migrants

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels create a sustainable and adaptive community hub that directly addresses the needs of urban migrants through integrated services and shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a contemporary aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while optimizing natural light.
04
Integrated community gardens promote urban agriculture and social interaction.
05
Flexible modular units adapt to changing residential needs over time.

### Overview

"Migrate the City" is a project located adjacent to Penn Station in New York City, designed to address the challenges posed by urban migration and community adaptation. With a substantial portion of local households involved in migration, the intent is to create a hub that supports transitioning communities while tackling the social issues associated with rapid urbanization, climate change, and socio-economic disparities. This strategic site selection facilitates the integration of immigrant experiences within critical transit pathways, enhancing accessibility and fostering community connections.

### Spatial Strategy and Integration

The design incorporates an analysis of pedestrian traffic patterns, informing the spatial strategy to alleviate existing pressures on transit infrastructure while promoting social interaction. The architectural layout is crafted to provide a cohesive experience for commuters transitioning between train terminals and essential support services. Key features include adaptable spaces that accommodate the city's diverse demographic needs and the integration of social services that reinforce ties with surrounding neighborhoods. This approach emphasizes both functionality and community engagement within the urban fabric.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project's materials are thoughtfully selected to resonate with its intent and context. Transparent glass is utilized for façades and partitions, enhancing visibility and creating a sense of openness between interior spaces and the city. Sustainable timber sourced from recycled materials features prominently in both structural and aesthetic elements, contributing warmth and a sense of place. Furthermore, a robust steel framework provides the necessary structural integrity and facilitates the envisioned modular construction, allowing for future adaptability in response to evolving community needs.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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